# E-bikes are a Transportation Revolution ![4 e-bikes on the Hoboken waterfront](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/465045/109428064-3fbf0900-79c3-11eb-97c5-cd2662676563.png) ## Index * [Background](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/background): bike-sharer → bike-owner → e-bike maniac * [My e-bikes](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/bikes) * [Overview/Specs](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/bikes#specs): weights between 35-60lbs, ranges from 25-130mi, prices from $1900-$7000 ($2500-$8000 incl. gear) * [VanMoof X3](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/bikes#x3): great all-around / starter / city e-bike * [Brompton Electric](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/bikes#e-brompton): smallest fold, most portable, great all around * [Tern Vektron Q9](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/bikes#q9): large cargo capacity, folds up for easy storage * [Specialized Creo Comp Carbon](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/bikes#creo): light, fast, long-range * [Reflections](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections) * [Speed ⟹ Safety](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#speed-safety): higher top speed – and acceleration – make a big difference in traffic * [Speed ⟹ Inclusion](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#speed-inclusion): a lot more people can get around quickly+comfortably on ebikes * [Speed ⟹ Convenience](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#speed-convenience): ebikes are as fast as cars in urban environments; can solve congestion and parking issues * [Space](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#space): high mobility per unit space; combine with other modes (trains, buses, ferries) * [Bike vs. Car Storage](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#bike-vs-car-storage): parking takes too much space in cities, and is heavily subsidized; bike parking is 5-10x more efficient * [Cost](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#cost): the average car cost could fund e-bikes for 10 families * [Cargo](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#cargo): * [Groceries, Bulk Items](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#groceries): basically any grocery run, and a surprising number of bulk item moves, can be done via e-bike * [Kids](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#kids): easy to carry 1 or 2 kids by e-bike * [PoV: Grocery Runs](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#groceries): I get groceries by e-bike and it's great * [PoV: Moving House](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#pov-moving-house): I moved across town – with 2wks of stuff – by ebike * [Health](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#health) * [Fun](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#fun) * [Car sewers](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/reflections#car-sewers): cars make streets miserable for everyone not in a car; doing this to 100% of streets is extreme, and terrible policy. * [Getting Started](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started) * [Bike Shares](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#bike-shares): easy way to get used to city biking/scooting (if unfamiliar) * [Renting](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#renting): rent a few types of bikes before buying one * [Safety](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#safety) * [Stats](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#stats) * [Speed](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#safety-speed) * [Fear](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#fear) * [Riding on Sidewalks](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#riding-on-sidewalks) * [Stopping at Stop Signs / Red Lights](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#stopping-at-stops) * [Braking](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#braking): [Sheldon Brown on front brakes](https://www.sheldonbrown.com/brakturn.html) * [Helmets](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#helmets-safety): can't hurt, but often used to blame/criminalize cyclists for infrastructure/engineering problems * [Lights](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#lights-safety): the more the better * [Hi-Viz Clothing](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#hi-viz): similar to helmets; good practice, but often discussed unfairly * [Route Planning](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#route-planning): [Street View](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#street-view), [Ride with GPS](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#ride-with-gps), [Strava](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#strava-route-planning) all useful * [Traveling with E-bikes](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#travel): [flying](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#flying) generally not possible (might work with e-brompton); [trains/boats](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#trains-boats) generally easy/possible * [Starter Packs](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#starter-packs) * [VanMoof X3 + Gear](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#vanmoof-x3-pack): $83/mo (incl. maintenance/theft/insurance coverage), $3k outright * [RadPower](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#radpower): popular under $2k * [Reading](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#reading) * [ElectricBikeReview.com](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#ebr) * [r/ebikes](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/getting-started#r-ebikes) * [Gear](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear): 10-20% a bike's cost in add-ons can make it 10x more useful * [Helmets](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#helmets): I use [a Lumos "Kickstart"](https://lumoshelmet.co/products/lumos-kickstart) helmet with lights built in * [Racks, Baskets](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#racks-baskets): starting point for carrying bags' worth of stuff on rides * [Bags](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#bags): get weight off of you and onto the bike, where it *rolls* * [Panniers](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#panniers): bags that hang from sides of back rack; can be quite large, very useful * [Cockpit Bags](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#cockpit-bags): smaller bags up around your handlebars for essentials * [Frame Bags](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#top-tube-bags): small/medium bags attached to the frame * [Back-Rack / Seat Bags](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#back-bags): medium bags on top of back rack or behind+underneath seat * [Phone Mounts](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#phone-mounts): phone mounted up front (e.g. w/ turn-by-turn directions) is surprisingly useful; I use [Quad Lock](https://www.quadlockcase.com/). * [Lights](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#lights): [front](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07544KPJL/), [rear](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YFDFXY4/), [party](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G36BT9P/), [Vont 'Pyro' (set)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078TB9TMK/), [KNOG (set)](https://www.amazon.com/KNOG-12144-Plus-Twinpack-Black/dp/B07CYNMD6M/) * [Locks](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#locks): [Kryptonite U-lock + cable](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZT8KZ1/) (medium weight, decent security), [OnGuard U-Lock](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008OHBE8S/) (lighter / more clearance but weaker), [OTTO cable lock](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0799DBYBH/) (compact+light extra security layer) * [Misc. Accessories](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#misc-accessories): [bell](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DFF49R4/), rear-view mirrors ([1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G5H2RSM/) [2](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V5DJR8Z/)), [kickstand](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNLXML4/), [hand pump](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008R5MDQE/) * [Gloves](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#gloves): [padded gloves](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B3PX6TC/), [light but warm winter gloves](https://www.jackrabbit.com/brooks-lsd-thermal-glove---color%3A-black-size%3A-s/609465426438.html) * [Rain Gear](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#rain-gear): [Clever Hoods](https://cleverhood.com/) are popular + good * [Winter Cycling](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#winter-cycling-gear): easier+better than you think, $200 of gear solves cold down to ≈25ºF * [Heated Gloves](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#heated-gloves): [my main pair](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YBW4LCL/), [another good pair](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YYNJ4JQ/), and [one that actually makes a women's size](https://voltheat.com/collections/heated-gloves/products/all-purpose-womens-7v-heated-gloves) * [Heated Vests](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#heated-vests) * [Pogies](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#pogies) * [Heated Socks](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#heated-socks) * [Hand Warmers](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#hand-warmers) * [Action Cameras](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#action-cameras): I use a [GoPro Hero 9 Black](https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero9-black/CHDHX-901-master.html) and [GoPro Hero 8 Black](https://gopro.com/en/us/shop/cameras/hero8-black/CHDHX-801-master.html), in [a chest harness and seat-rail mount](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#camera-mounting), to [film rides](https://twitter.com/RunsAsCoded/status/1369745569120464903) * [Padded Shorts](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/gear#padded-shorts): [good all-around active shorts w/ pockets](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WSBTQH7/) * [Documenting Rides](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides) * [Ride-tracking apps](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#ride-tracking-apps): * [Strava](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#strava): robust recording app (resumes after phone crashes), good small-circle social network, good open data posture * [RideWithGPS](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#ridewithgps): similar to Strava, emphasis on route planning/sharing, UX is clunkier * [wandrer.earth](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#wandrer.earth): cool app on top of Strava, providing stats/viz about places you've been and places you might still like to explore * [Post-Processing Videos](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#post-processing-videos): dealing with videos afterward is its own adventure * [GoPros](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#gopros) are pretty hard to deal with; telemetry data is often not recorded correctly, and the GoPro software ecosystem is a mess * [External SSDs](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#ssds): [1TB](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073H552FJ/)/[2TB](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0874XWW23/) Samsungs, palm-sized * [512GB micro-SD](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#micro-sd): never worry about SD-card capacity in-camera (there's enough to worry about when the data comes off the camera) * [Wasabi Cloud Storage](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#wasabi): cheap+easy cloud storage; good option for archival video storage * [VFX Suites](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#vfx): unfortunately necessary to do anything with action-camera videos * [YouTube](https://ebikes.neighbor-ryan.org/documenting-rides#youtube): I've posted some ride videos to [Neighbor Ryan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUEDi4kDGExvmx0g0gkVwkA/videos)